A Summary of Legal Name Change Process

There are many reasons one would like to go through the process of legal name change. The law has allowed any citizen to file a petition to have his or her name change at any point in life. Name change allows you to acquire a new identity that suits your new situation. Though everyone has a right to change his or her name, there are reasons or situations where your request will be declined.

• The request will be declined if the judge or officer realizes that you are intending to commit a crime.
• Legal name change will also be denied if the intention is to escape liabilities of a criminal or civil nature. This means that people with debts are likely to be denied the opportunity to change name.
• Your request for legally change your name will be declined if the intention is to mislead, especially members of the public. This happens when you adapt the name of a celebrity or popular person. There must be a justification for choosing the name.
• Numerals and punctuation are not admitted in legal name change. You will therefore not be allowed to use a letter, for instance, 9 as your name. However, there are jurisdictions where you are allowed to spell out the letter and thus your name becomes ‘Nine’.
• Racial slurs are not allowed when changing a name. They would be offensive to a race especially when pronounced in public.
• The officer will decline your request to change name if you go for an offensive name, intimidating or obscene name during your legal name change documentation. The idea is to protect people and prevent anxiety when a name is called out in public or included as part of public discourse.

Why Change Your Name?

Each person has a reason for changing his name. As long as the reason is not among those mentioned, your application will not attract any delays. You are allowed to go through the process of
name change after divorce. This allows you to get a new identity or return to your previous names by dropping that of your spouse.

Marriage is the other reason the law allows you to undertake the legal name change process. During this process you may take the name of your spouse, create a new name by bridging your names, hyphenate your names or add that of your spouse as a sir name. There are couples who choose to take new names in order to acquire a new identity away from that of the husband or wife. You must undertake legal name change even in situations where you wish to retain your professional or public name for the sake of identity or business yet change your name on official documents.

There are instances when legal name change is done in secrecy to conceal the identity of a person. This is in such cases as rape or where a spouse may be violent. Persons on witness protection may also undertake legal name change in secrecy. As such, they are not required to publish their names on circulating newspapers.

It is best to consult a specialist in legal name change in order to discuss your options. These specialists are agents who have assisted numerous people with name change for years and thus understand the process. You will get assistance on the documents to prepare in order to reduce the time it takes to complete your legal name change process. By supplying details of all institutions that need to adapt your new name, the agents will take up the hustle on your behalf. Within a few weeks, you will be operating under a new name and identity without the headache of lining up in offices and spending endless hours pushing your paper. The charges by legal name change agents are minimal compared to the benefits you get.

Requirements for Legal Name Change

Each state has different requirements for people who want to change their names. The documents and procedures to follow will also depend on the uniqueness of your situation. For instance, in case your reason for legal name change is marriage, you will be required to present your marriage certificate. In situations where divorce has caused you to seek change of name, the divorce decree will plead your case. In fact, you can request the judge to include a ruling on legal name change alongside that on divorce. Reverting to your original name is also easier since proof and documents already existed with your original name.

A Complete Guide on How to Legally Change Your Name after Marriage

There are many reasons why you would wish to legally change your name but in all cases, it is important to understand how to go about the process. Major life changes including marriage, divorce, and gender reassignment are just a few of the situations that necessitate a name change. Truth be told, the legal process involved in a name change in the U.S is tedious and millions of people have given up due to the long winding process and the paperwork involved. Luckily, you can now use an online legal name change service to make the process smoother and enjoy peace of mind. This is because most of the situations warranting a legal name change take a huge toll on your normal life. Any assistance to streamline the process thus comes as a Godsend.

A Process Not a One-Step Task

If you are planning to change your name the following steps will help you understand what is required:

Choosing an Appropriate Name

This is the easiest step especially in cases of marriage or divorce.  For most people, this entails adding or dropping a name depending on the situation. You have a right to legally change your name because after all this is one of main things that helps identify you. You can change your name to anything you may want but there are some exceptions:

• You can’t change a name to escape liability or for any other fraudulent activities 
• You can’t be allowed to change a name with intent to mislead.
• A racial slur, offensive term or a name that would incite violence cannot be used.
• No confusing name is allowed for instance one containing numerals and punctuations.

Start Using Your Name

Now that you have picked your name, it is important to start using it in all situations where identification is required. This could include filling out forms and applications.  Tell your family and friends about the name change as this not only makes your name familiar but ensures any further documentation is prepared in your new name.

Find Necessary Materials  and Fill out court Forms

This is where things get tricky for most people who are planning to change their name legally. While different state’s requirements might be different, there are the general documents required and these include:

• Social security card
• Photo ID
• Birth certificate
• Petition for change of name

This process is arduous and in most situations where a name change is necessary, you already have your hands full. Take for instance a name change for marriage or divorce purposes; there is already too much going on in your life and finding the time to fill out required court forms (Petition for Change of Name and Order to Show Cause for Change of Name) is not easy.

If you are struggling with the paper work to change your name for marriage or divorce purposes, try HitchSwitch an online name change service aimed at newlyweds. We take the hassle out of the legal name change process by streamlining it and making it faster.

The court process in the legal name change will cost around $150 to $200 and you will be required to attend a court hearing where a judge reviews your petition. Once this is done, an order is granted to change your name and you will receive a name change decree which approved the name change.

Update Everyone On Your New Name

It is important to notify government agencies including the DMV, Social Security Administration and IRS about your name change.  The court decree comes handy in this case. You should also notify all other institutions including banks, utility companies, loan and mortgage companies, schools, employer, post office, creditors among others.

Once this is done, you can now continue using the new name all the time and in all situations. To legally change your name is not just about adding or dropping a name. The process is arduous and takes a lot of time. This is a good reason to use a reputable online name change service to help your maneuver through this convoluted activity. All you need to do is choose a name change package that suits you and fill a form and these experts will take it up from there. Legal name change need not be a backbreaking affair after all.

A Summarized Name Change Checklist

Name change after marriage is an obviously tedious process. You have to notify government agencies, the financial institutions you associate with, insurance firms and other companies or organizations you are associated with. A Name Change Checklist will help you get the process completed in an easy and systematic manner. Remember that anyone who you would find it necessary to notify about change of address would also like to know about change of name.

You have an option of getting a name change kit or assistance from a professional agent. You may also opt to complete the complicated process on your own. This might appear like an easier option but you have to set aside time and resources to drive around and line up in offices with complex procedures. An agent completes the process on your behalf, allowing you to relax and concentrate on settling or building your marriage.

Here is a simplified Name Change Checklist to make the process easier and fast. There are offices where you can change the name over the phone. Other offices require you to appear in person. For some, the name and address are changed directly from the system. For others, you have to fill forms from where the officer in charge makes amendments on your personal details.

• Obtained a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

The law requires you to obtain a certified copy- not copies- of your marriage certificate. The copy is obtained from the office where you filed or got your marriage certificate. Since the certificate might not be returned to you, you should obtain several copies. The certificate can be mailed to you on request. You will be required to pay for the copies and mailing if that is your option. Getting more than one copy allows you to initiate a similar name change process with other institutions. This will speed up the entire process.

• Start With the Social Security Administration Office

This is regarded as the official government record. Other institutions and organizations within government and beyond obtain their data from here. This is the office where the names and details on your ID documents will be changed. Details on tax obligation files and retirement benefits accounts will also be changed here. If there is a discrepancy between the names you provide and that available on the Social security records, your returns will be declined. Financial institutions also depend on the Social Security card for their financial dealings. The office requires you to fill Form SS-5 in order to obtain a new card.

• Visit the Department of Motor Vehicle

Changing your name on the identification card and Driver’s license allows you to change names on other platforms like banks, insurance and other financial institutions. You should also take the advantage of changing names on vehicle ownership papers. The department will also facilitate name change on the voter’s register. Each state follows a different set of rules and procedures. To avoid unnecessary hustle, enlist the services of an experienced agency to spearhead your name change process. Updating your name on the Social security card and Driver’s license gives you the freedom to change on other platforms like bank institutions, insurance, medical records, etc.

• Financial Institutions and Banks

Banks and insurance or investment institutions require proof of identity before transacting. If the name on your ID differs with what is on their systems, they will be hesitant to serve you. This could cause delays and unnecessary suspicion. You could even be accused of identity theft. To avoid such complications, visit your bank, mortgage or lease company, investment account, Sacco, credit card provider, etc to have personal details changed. This gives you the freedom to access money and transact without suspicion.

• Social Organizations

The records in social organizations are not too sensitive. However, they may also be problematic if discrepancies appear. Change names on all legal documents, veterinary office, your doctor or health service clinic, clubs, alumni organizations, loyalty clubs, library, gym, etc. Most of these organizations would do with a simple phone call.

An experienced name change agency will provide a personalized Name Change Checklist based on the organizations or institutions you wish to notify about the change of name. Through their experience and networks, they simplify the process for you at a very reasonable fee. 

Name change after Divorce: The Steps and Requirements

A person who changed his or her name after marriage will also feel compelled to change it after divorce. The process of name change after divorce will vary depending on jurisdiction. However, most courts allow you to file the petition alongside that on divorce. When the divorce will be granted, your prayers on reverting to your original name will also be granted. It is acceptable that you end the ties that bound you together. It helps you clear the bond when the change is done officially.

Though individual states and jurisdictions follow different procedures, it is easier and straightforward when you request the court to grant your request alongside the divorce. This allows you to revert to your original name or choose a new one. When the divorce has been granted, you will also receive the green light to adapt a new name.

If the divorce is granted, your name change after divorce request will also have been granted. To restore your original name, you will need a certified copy of the court order and are ready to go. This is what you present to the office of Social Service Administration, banks, Department of Motor Vehicle and any other institution that may require you to show proof of name change.

There are instances where the divorce order does not contain the request on name change. It is possible to return to the clerk and have the order changed to reflect the request on name change. There are jurisdictions that allow this long after the case has been decided. The amendments on the divorce decree are used as evidence for name change and admissible as legal and formal documentation.

There are instances where your request is not part of the divorce decree. This means that you have to undertake a different process of restoring your name or choosing another name. Some states require you to just begin using your old name and send the same request to institutions where you would like the name changed. The challenge is if you need to use a completely new name. Recent immigrants and people who cannot find their original identity papers will find a problem reverting their names.

The process of petitioning the court to change your name takes several weeks and may go up to three months. You will have to file your petition and wait for a court hearing that could be weeks away depending on the calendar of the court. The documents you will be required to present include certified copies of the divorce decree and documents showing your original name. The certified copy of the divorce decree might not cost you anything but the administration fees will depend on jurisdiction.

Changing the Names of Children after Divorce
Many jurisdictions lean on the side of children continuing to use the name of the father after parents have divorced. This happens regardless of the parent who is granted custody of the child. However, the father must show and proof his desire to continually take care of these children. However, there are instances where the courts grant the request by mother to change the name.

To change the name of the child, convincing evidence must be presented. The mother must show that changing the name will be done in the best interest of the child. Some of the factors considered include age of the children, how strong the relationship with their mother or father is, the duration the child has used the name that needs to be changed and whether the child stands to suffer if the name is changed. The mother must also proof that there are benefits of changing the name. The court is obliged to consider the interest of the child above that of the mother or father.

Always remember that changing the name of a child does not alter the relationship such a child has with the parent. This does not exonerate the parent from taking responsibilities like parental visitation, support, intestacy or inheritance, among other entitlements.

The easiest way to get name change after divorce is using the divorce decree. This is only automatic if you want to revert to your original name. Because each case is unique, it is advisable that you contact a professional name change agency to make the process fast, easy and cost effective. 

Marriage Name Change Solution: What Should I Consider?

Most women prefer to take up the names of their spouses after marriage as a sign of changed status. This enables friends and relatives to easily refer to you and also recognize the changes that have taken place. The Marriage Name Change Solution available depends on the wishes of each couple. Knowing the solution that suits you the most will enable you to make the right decision and have an easy time changing your name.

Hiring an Agent or Doing It on Your Own

There are two options available when you need to change your name after marriage. You may opt to undertake the process or to allow an agent to complete it for you. There are situations where you will need to be physically present. In other situations, an agent can make the application on your behalf. The option to complete the process on your own means that you have to queue in offices, fill numerous forms and drive to unknown locations only to get one form filled. An agent does the heavy lifting for you.

If your decision is to get a Marriage Name Change Solution kit from an agent, you will need to supply the agency with all the documents required. They include a certified copy of your marriage certificate and details to be filled in such forms as Social Security and filings to be made in court. This saves you the hustle of lining up endlessly and running from one office to another. You will be at peace to enjoy your honeymoon and return to a new life.

The agency will provide a marriage name change kit with all the forms you need to fill in one folder. Once you fill these forms, your name change process begins in earnest. The forms capture all the areas where you would like the name changed including banks, Department of Motor Vehicle, insurance, school alumni, Posta, neighborhood organization, etc. The kit simplifies the process by making it a one stop shop.

Name Change before Marriage

This is a strange scenario and is very rare. It might prove impossible because more organizations responsible will demand a certified marriage certificate copy. This is the principle document used in almost all places where you need your name changed. It is impossible to obtain it before the ceremony has taken place. However, nothing stops you from providing your details and filling the forms in readiness for the process. Once your marriage has been solemnized, you will provide a copy of the marriage certificate for the process to continue.

Hyphenating My Name

This is an option which can be used by people whose business and career identity depend on the name. They include doctors, motivational speakers, writers, sports personalities, etc. It saves you the trouble of having to rebrand the business which could see a significant drop in clientele.

While this option is available and considered one of the easiest, you must undergo the processes of legal name change. The new name after the hyphen must be included in a legal manner. Seek the assistance of professional agents to have the name changed as soon as possible.

What forms should I fill to change the name?

The forms to be filled depend on the areas where you need the name changed. Each station or institution requires you to fill a different name. Should you choose the assistance of an agent, you will get all the forms in a single folder. If you are changing the name on your own, you have to go round to all offices to collect the forms, fill them and return them. This is an extremely tedious process. Beyond consuming time, it takes a toll on your body and stops you from engaging in other more profitable ventures. Official government forms that you must fill include Social Security, IRS and US passport. The Department of Motor Vehicle also requires you to fill certain forms. Banks, insurance, credit cards, and any other institution where you need a different name will provide a unique form.

A simplified Marriage Name Change Solution is designed to meet your individual needs. Contact an agent to design a personalized package that meets your needs. The charges are reasonably low yet the agent will save you time, energy and allow you to rest after your wedding.

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A Simplified Name Change Checklist After Marriage

Changing your name after marriage is an intensive and engaging process. The many requirements including documents and court appearances are likely to leave you confused on what you need or what you are yet to do. Here is a simplified name change checklist to guide you through the process and make it both stress free and fast. If fact, by using this checklist, you will have the new name approval in a flash even without seeking the assistance of agents.

1. Obtain Certified Marriage Certificate Copies

Many people waste time or have their petitions declined because the copies they file are not certified but plain photocopies. The certified copy should be obtained from the office or agency where your marriage was officiated. Since the certified copy will not be returned to you, several copies will do you good. Having multiple copies will allow you to file petitions with different institutions at the same time which hastens the overall process.

2. Head to the Social Security Administration first

Social Security Administration is regarded as the first stop because you must use your correct name and identification details for taxation and retirement benefits computations and administration. If there is a mismatch in the details you provide, your tax returns will be declined. You will also not receive social services if the names differ. This is why a visit to Social Security Administration tops the name change checklist. 

Institutions such as banks, insurance, utility, etc use your Social Security card and details on it as prove of identity. As such, it will be difficult to transact under a different name on these institutions. You will be required to provide evidence that you have changed your identity. At the Social Security office, you are required to fill Form SS-5 to enable you obtain a new card indicating the new name. With the Social Security notified, Internal Revenue Services will also receive the notification. 

3. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicle

The Social Security card and driving license play the crucial roles of identification. As such, if your new name appears on these two documents, it will be easier for you to prove the name and have it changed on other documents. A stop at the Department of Motor Vehicle also allows you to update your details on the voter’s register. Beyond that, you will notify the department about the new name so that details of your vehicle registration can be updated. This makes this stop very important and especially allowing you to update several institutions in a single visit. With a new driver’s license, you are ready to effect changes on other institutions. 

4. Work Records and Social Benefits

Your employer will be remitting money to you on regular basis. To access the money, your personal details must tally with what is known or held by different institutions. Further, you need to maintain integrity and consistent identity at work. Notify your employer so that your records can be updated. 

The notification should also be sent to any institution that handles your benefits from employment. The clients you serve will also receive an update of your new identity. Some might not recognize the new name if you use it without prior notice from your employer. If your insurance is provided by the employer, he will need to notify the institution of changes in name. All other institutions that provide social benefits should also be notified. 

5. Next Should be the Bank

This is one of the updates where you have to appear in person. Considering that banks are dealing with money, you identity will be very important. Notify the bank and provide evidence that you have changed your name. The same notification should be provided to credit institutions and SACCOs. This enables them to recognize you and allow transactions without hindrances. If you appear at the bank or Sacco office with a different ID document, you can be sure that you will not access your money. Even an agent might not help you effect these changes unless under very special circumstances. 

Other credit organizations and platforms like credit and debit card issuers must be notified. Unless you notify your credit provider, different details will emerge when performing checks. This will lead to suspicion and in fact failure to obtain services. Credit reporting agencies will be informed by the creditors. Within months of notification, your statements will reflect the new name. 

There are other people and institutions in the name change checklist that need to get the notice as soon as possible. The mortgage company or your landlord should be notified as soon as possible. If you have other insurance cover providers, inform them of your new identity. Inform the passport office and make necessary changes if need be. Your attorney needs to update your legal documents and thus must be notified. Professional bodies and alumni organization also need to get the notice. 

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Options When You Need to Change Name to Married Name

It is always exciting to change name to married name immediately after your wedding. This helps you adapt to the new status easily and appreciate the bond you share. It sounds easy to just adapt a new name. However, the process is not that simple or straightforward. Here are the options you need to consider when to ensure that your decision is satisfactory into the future.

Maintain Your Original Name

This is the easiest and most convenient option. Maintain the name you were given at birth and that which is captured in all your documents. This will save you the trouble of endless paperwork and trips to the Social Security as well as Department of Motor Vehicle offices. It allows you to enjoy your post marriage days.

This is a viable option for people who have built professional careers using their names. For instance, if you are a doctor who is known by your name, migrating your credentials when you change name to married name will be a challenge. However, if you do not change the name, this hustle will be eliminated. It enables you to maintain a professional appeal without having to antagonize your customers to adapt the new identity. If you are following a family lineage of achievements in sports, medicine, art, etc, the linkage is likely to get lost. Maintain the original name for own benefit and to avoid a lot of disruption.

Adapt the Name of Your Spouse

It is traditionally common for a lady to take the name of the husband after marriage. In fact, this is an option taken by many people. To effectively adapt the name of your spouse, you should approach the department of Social Security in your area. The document that is required by the Social Security office is a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You should obtain the certified copy from the office or officer who officiated your marriage. You do not need to visit the office in person. Request to have the certificate mailed. It helps to obtain several certified copies because you can lounge your request on several offices simultaneously. The fees paid to obtain certified copies depend on your state. It will also depend on whether you will collect it or have it mailed. There are people in the society like service men whose processing fees are waived.

Name change will take place at the Social Security office. Though the services are free of charge in most cases, you are required to fill Form SS-5 which captures your personal details. Should you choose to mail the form, you must include a certified copy of your marriage certificate and ID. If you got married more than two years ago, the officer might require you to provide additional details. A new SS card will be delivered in two weeks if there are no issues with your application. All the documents you provide will be returned.

Notify all the relevant persons in your life about the change in name. They include your employer, banker, Posta, utility service provider, etc. The Department of Motor Vehicle should be notified to enable processing of a new driver’s license with the new name. This is a visit you might have to make in person. Take the opportunity to update vehicle ownership and registration details, voter details and maybe the image on your license. The new license will cost you several dollars depending on your state. Only a few states allow a man to follow the maiden name change procedure. In almost all state, a man is required to follow the legal name change which involves filing a petition in court.

Take the Name Legally But Maintain Your Original Name Professionally
Friends will know about your new status and will most likely refer to you by it. However, it will be challenging to inform all your professional associates about the change in identity and make them understand. The solution becomes to maintain your professional identity despite changing your name legally. This gives you a cushion to gradually and continuously adapt the new identity.

This is a bit challenging and might be confusing even to you. People might come looking for you in the office only to learn that you operate using a different name. The confusion only lasts a while and then disappears. People slowly adapt to the new name and identity if you allow them to do so.

The option of adding the name other than changing it is also viable. Even when associates and clients realize that you have a new name, they will recognize it from your many names. To avoid the hustle when you want to change name to married name, enlist the services of a professional agent. At a small fee, your name will be changed in all documents and institutions, allowing you to enjoy the new identity.

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